Yes, tenants are responsible for lawn care unless specified otherwise in the lease agreement. As a tenant, it is important to understand the responsibilities that come with renting a property.
Landlords may require tenants to maintain the lawn themselves, or they may hire a professional lawn care service and include the cost in the rent.
Failure to properly maintain the lawn can result in a loss of security deposit or even eviction.
The Responsibilities Of A Tenant Regarding Lawn Care
Before signing a lease agreement, it’s essential to understand each party’s obligations concerning lawn care responsibility.
In general, the landlord is responsible for maintaining the exterior structure and ensuring the property is safe, livable, and meets housing codes.
On the other hand, the tenant is responsible for any damages resulting from their negligence.
When it comes to lawn care, the responsibilities may vary depending on the lease agreement’s terms.
Knowing The Terms Of The Lease Agreement
The lease agreement outlines lawn care responsibilities for both the landlord and the tenant.
It’s crucial to read the agreement thoroughly and understand all clauses mentioned concerning lawn maintenance and repair.
Some typical lease agreement terms related to lawn care could include:
- Who is responsible for lawn mowing and maintenance?
- If the tenant will be charged for lawn care services.
- How often the lawn should be mowed?
- Who is responsible for outdoor pest control?
- If the tenant can install any structures or amenities on the lawn.
Identifying Specific Lawn Care Responsibilities
The tenant’s specific lawn care responsibilities will be established in the lease agreement. Here are some typical tenant lawn care responsibilities:
- Regular lawn maintenance activities such as mowing, trimming, raking, and edging.
- Weeding, pest control, fertilizing, and watering the lawn.
- Keeping the lawn free of debris and litter.
- Removing snow from driveways, paths, and sidewalks during winter.
Exploring Available Legal Protections
Tenants are legally protected by rental and tenant law, which establishes their responsibilities, rights, and protections.
If you believe that your landlord is not fulfilling their responsibilities concerning lawn care, reach out to a lawyer or a tenants’ union to get help.
Moreover, it’s essential to understand that certain grass types and landscaping elements need specific care, which the tenant may not be aware of, so maintenance might be better to be left to the landlord in certain cases.
As a tenant, it’s crucial to fulfil your responsibilities concerning lawn maintenance, as outlined in the lease agreement.
This ensures a healthy relationship with your landlord and avoids unnecessary legal disputes.
Factors That Determine Tenant’S Lawn Care Responsibilities
When it comes to lawn care for a rental property, who is responsible, the tenant or the landlord?
This is a common question among tenants and landlords alike. The answer is not always straightforward, as it depends on a few factors.
Here are the key factors that determine the tenant’s lawn care responsibilities.
Size Of The Property
The size of the property is a crucial factor in determining who is responsible for lawn care.
If the rental property has a small lawn, it is typically the tenant’s responsibility to maintain it. However, if the lawn is extensive, the landlord may take up the responsibility.
In some cases, the landlord may hire a professional lawn care service, and the cost may be included in the rent.
- A small lawn is typically defined as a lawn that can be mowed with a push mower in under an hour.
- An extensive lawn is typically defined as a lawn that requires a riding mower and takes more than an hour to mow.
Type Of Property
The type of rental property is also a crucial factor in determining who is responsible for lawn care.
If the rental property is a single-family home, the tenant is typically responsible for lawn care, including mowing, watering, and weeding.
However, if the rental property is a multi-family building or an apartment complex, the landlord is typically responsible for lawn care.
In this case, the landlord may hire a professional lawn care service to take care of the lawn and include the cost in the rent.
Specific State Laws And Regulations
Lawn care responsibilities can also vary depending on state laws and regulations.
Some states may require landlords to provide lawn care services as part of the lease agreement, while others may allow landlords to shift the responsibility to tenants.
It is essential to check state laws and regulations to determine who is responsible for lawn care.
Terms Of The Lease Agreement
Finally, the lease agreement is a crucial factor in determining who is responsible for lawn care.
The lease agreement outlines the responsibilities of both the tenant and the landlord.
In most cases, the lease agreement specifies the tenant’s responsibilities for lawn care and maintenance.
If the lease agreement fails to specify who is responsible for lawn care, it is recommended that the tenant and landlord discuss the matter and come to an agreement.
Several factors determine the tenant’s lawn care responsibilities, including the size of the property, type of property, specific state laws and regulations, and terms of the lease agreement.
It is essential to clarify lawn care responsibilities in the lease agreement to avoid any misunderstandings.
Frequently Asked Questions Of Is Tenant Responsible For Lawn Care
Who Is Responsible For Lawn Care, Landlord Or Tenant?
In most cases, the landlord is responsible for lawn care. However, tenants should study the lease agreement.
Can The Landlord Make The Tenant Do Yard Work?
No, the landlord cannot make the tenant do yard work unless it is stated in the lease agreement.
What Should Tenants Do If Lawn Care Is Not Done?
Tenants should contact the landlord or property management to report the issue and request urgent action.
Is Lawn Care Cost Included In The Rent?
It depends on the lease agreement. Sometimes, the cost of lawn care is included in the rent, but sometimes tenants have to pay for it separately.
Conclusion
While tenant responsibilities vary by lease agreement, understanding common practices is key.
You, as a tenant, may be responsible for lawn care unless explicitly stated otherwise in your contract.
Be proactive in clarifying this aspect to enjoy a smooth tenancy, respecting both your rights and those of your landlord.
Reference
https://ago.mo.gov/docs/default-source/publications/landlord-tenantlaw.pdf?sfvrsn=4%20